Experts Agree: Generation Y Will Not Tire of Social Networking [Study]

Trends come and go (like the razor scooter), and this is no more apparent than on the internet. But according to a new study — and despite the loss of interest in MySpace — it looks like one trend is here to stay: social networking.

Mashable reported:

In a survey conducted by the Pew Internet and American Life Project, an overwhelming majority of technology experts and stakeholders believe that social networking and online sharing is more than just a fad for today’s youth.
More than two-thirds of those surveyed indicated that the Millennial generation — otherwise known as Generation Y — will continue to use social networking tools as they mature into adult life stages and have families of their own.

The research is part of Pew’s fourth “Future of the Internet” study which includes responses from selected experts and Internet (Internet) users who were asked to think about “the future of the Internet-connected world between now and 2020.”

67% of experts concurred with this statement:

“By 2020, members of Generation Y (today’s ‘digital natives’) will continue to be ambient broadcasters who disclose a great deal of personal information in order to stay connected and take advantage of social, economic, and political opportunities. Even as they mature, have families, and take on more significant responsibilities, their enthusiasm for widespread information sharing will carry forward.”

Mashable continued:

Pew found that the experts believe the advantages and social benefits of sharing personal information online far outweigh the consequences, an attitude that these young “digital natives” will carry into adulthood. A survey response from a Mozilla programmer exemplifies this notion: “Unless Generation Y has a collective privacy-related epiphany, they will continue to happily trade it for convenience.”

1 Comment

1. An online chart proves that the annual birthrate REALLY began to dramatically increase in 1977, when 3.3 million babies were born compared to 3.14m in ’76 (difference = 160,000). The birthrate leveled off in ’95.
2. Those born in ’77 just came of age when the internet really started to become popular in ’95 (hence the “net generation”).
3. Studies show very big similarities between those born in the late 1970s and the babies of the ’80s. For example:
A) People born in ’78 were the first to have voted 66 – 32 for Obama, as surveys prove.
B) A poll around 2005 show 53% support for same – sex marriage among those who were in their early and
mid – 20s at the time.